Get smart: The Top 5 reasons you need to invest in continuing education

Kristi Casey Sanders is the VP of creative/chief storyteller of Plan Your Meetings. In addition to being an award-winning journalist who has covered meeting industry trends and destinations since 2003, she is a popular speaker on the topics of technology, sustainability, community building, engagement and proving ROI. Prior to joining the PYM team, she was a corporate trainer/performer with Boom Chicago Comedy Theatre in Amsterdam, where she taught multinational groups soft skills through improv. In her spare time, she is site selection chair for the Society of American Travel Writers’ Eastern Chapter, a big-time geek, and loving mom and wife. Not necessarily in that order. Follow her on Twitter @PYMLive or @KristiCasey. And check out her videos on PYM's YouTube channel.

No. 1: Learning to work smarter will save your company time and money.

Most meeting planners begin their careers with no specific training. But it’s a complex job; one that can involve anything from sending out requests for proposals to setting up registration, securing sponsorships, booking speakers, managing travel, negotiating contracts, planning meal functions and everything in between. Attending industry events where you can gain knowledge and learn best practices from veteran insiders and peers is the fastest and most economical way to safeguard yourself from making costly mistakes while you’re learning on the job.

No. 2: Increasing your knowledge will increase your productivity.

Unless you’re independently employed, chances are planning meetings and events is only part of what you’re asked to do on a day to day basis. With booking windows shorter than ever, having a database of vendors you’ve met and vetted face-to-face is an invaluable tool when you need to put together a program quickly. Attending an industry function, such as a PYM LIVE Event, allows you to cram weeks of destination and vendor research into an hour. And unlike surfing a Web site or doing a Google search, you’ll form a relationship with someone you know will value your business.

(Note: All PYM LIVE Event educational sessions are submitted to and approved by CIC and ISES so you can earn credits towards acquiring or renewing CMP or CSEP designations.)

No. 4: Education gives you better career options.

Many meeting professionals start off in administrative positions, where no experience is needed. But if you want to advance to a titled position in the industry, employers are beginning to require college degrees or certifications like the CMP designation. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the meeting and convention planning industry is expected to grow by 16 percent between now and 2018. As senior planners start to retire, those with the best chance of taking over those high-level positions will be those who have continued their education and have a track record of planning successful programs. Even if you decide that meeting/event planning is not for you, the skills you learn in this profession are applicable to many positions in senior management. Read “How meeting planning skills can boost your career” for some ideas and options.

No. 5: Increasing your circle of contacts will make your life easier.

This is a relationship-based business. If people know and like you, that can help you with everything from negotiating the rates your group needs to putting together a last-minute program. The friendships you form with your peers at industry functions not only will open up a world of information, it also can open up a world of opportunity if you’re looking for a job or to make a career change. The more valuable you are to this circle of peers, the more likely they’ll be to respond if you need to call in a favor later.

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